tara jo kirk

I hoard.

2010-06-01T17:50:00.000-07:00

I've got it bad this year for anything I can possibly put in the dang dirt. My plant and flower budget is out the roof. But you know...whatever. I am hoarding, and I couldn't think of anything better than to hoard these lovely (mostly edible) plants.

I am learning a ton about bugs and roots and soils and sunshine. My veggie garden is in the process of mini-explosions of fun squashes, tomatillos(!!), tomatos, soybeans, potatoes, strawberries, blackberries and peppers of every shape and spice. I have packed in herbs like lavender and basil, and have been tucking in pretty butterfly perennials like no one's business. And lets not forget about the ridiculous amounts of succulents and cacti in every possible window I can fit 'em.

Sigh... If only I could do it full time.

Long Live King Benny

2010-05-02T15:54:00.001-07:00

My poor baby Benny has recently been laid to rest where with dreams of tuna and sunshine and belly pets forever and ever. A mouse treat as a baby kitty is most likely the cause of his infection with Toxoplasmosis -- a kitty parasite that is usually okay for the feline but can sometimes take control a few years later and severely hurt the sweetest ones. Toxo got to Benny's spinal cord and disabled his ability to walk and carry on with the things cats love best. Like jumping on rooftops and finding retreat in comfy covers of a human bed. Ohhh how I'll miss a Benny hair in my mouth in the morning. Really, I will.

Benny carried on for four years and spread tons of love and giggles to my Wisconsin and Tennessee honeys. A miniature lion, he tricked even the "non-cat-lovers" into thinking cats could be really totally cool. He was a kool kat. Literally.

We placed him in the garden in a sunny spot where sunflowers will mark his true sunny self. Benny, you will be forever missed. Rest in peace sweetheart.

And a few moments of Benny I will never ever forget:

Welcome home Benny! Our first day. Redic hair shave job from previous owner. Love it.

Benny loves a bed. Any bed will do.

Sweet moments were shared on this deck with a cold brewski and my Benny.

Benny and Dan Taylor were best friends. He fancied Dan really good at belly rubbing. Oh, and he really liked to perch on rooftops.

What a lovely Christmas! With Benny's other fav belly rubber, Reggie.

What could be better than a camo-blanket, a Benny, and sunshine?!

A lovely doodle by mister Reggie, long before any hint of that nasty Toxo.

Benny had a super-fun New Years Eve with my sweet brother Collin. What a peach.

Garage Mahal

2010-01-30T16:18:00.000-08:00

First of all -- SNOW!! In Nashville!!

Second of all -- GiganticSuperStudioShedThing : Garage Mahal!

I told y'all I was gonna do it. I'm doing it! My buddy Dan came for a few months to help get this thing started. We dug really really deep holes, broke rock, measured, measured, measured, cussed, hammered, drilled, cussed, measured. Then Reggie joined in on the fun and we continued to do more of the previous.

It's been a ton of work and has made me question what the hell I'm doing several times, but then I realize it's all good and well and though there have been a bit of oopsies, I'm just getting more and more excited to finish and use it already!

Oopsies:
It's gigantic. It didn't look nearly this big on paper. Seriously, people ask me if I'm building a house. I also didn't account for the big slope in my yard. I'd planned the thing to be level with the ground...but looks like I'll have to re-route and add a porch to the front now!

Yet to be finished: Lots.
Paint current siding yellow like the house.
Put up corrugated tin under upper siding.
Tin Roof!
Install the doors and windows I found at my fav salvage yard.
Fix something I haven't accounted for yet.
Add porch/deck to front and side.
Sit.

The process thusfar:

Meet Perky!

2010-01-30T15:57:00.001-08:00

It's been a long time coming, but I still couldn't be more happy to introduce to you, my home's 4th 4-legged, Perky!

Perky came to me as a poor fella who had horrible allergies and needed more playtime than his old ma could handle. I intended to foster him for a bit until he could find a forever home. Turns out I had a little left over heart space for just ONE more dog (Lula Belle totally loved him too, it's not all my fault!). He stayed.

Though he has his quirks (we all do, right?), he has loved and helped me out so much! Lula is mostly deaf and I believe to be a bit slow mentally. Perky retrieves her for me and seems to care for her like a big bro when she needs a little help. Oh, and he loves to give kisses and hugs and pretend to be a lot smaller than he is...especially on laps. What a dude :)

We love you, Perky Bear!

Bloomsplotion

2009-06-07T18:47:00.001-07:00

So I promised an update when I can no longer rid myself of dirty hands/body (and with OFF mosquito spray always handy...) and here we are! Mid-Juneish has found me with more love than ever for all my blooms, cacti and succulents!

Now if only I could stop. I am obsessed. My succulents have multiplied themselves cutely in my big horse trough and my grasses (next to the trough) are slowly slowly filling out (they'll be tall and about 3' wide), I've found good temporary spaces for my cactus to greet me home, and I've been sawing my heart away on my herb planters!

Lots of learning for me. People said Nashville was full of clay dirt and bedrock to hinder a determined gardener...and they were spot on. At least in my yard. So, plenty of my ideas (take herb planters) have re-routed and been flipped around (literally). I have more plans to fill much of my yard with pretty rocks to home my cacti and put a stop to my crappy grass growth. Also on the list: expand fence! Within the month I'll have my whole backyard re-fenced off for more playtime for the pup and the shed (see previous post)!

Ahhhh this feels like home :) Click the pics for biggies

Spring Shedding

2009-05-08T18:17:00.000-07:00

Spring is almost over and I've been dealing with my fair share of shedding (have 3 furries). I think it's about time I show them whats up and start my own shed!

My buddy handyman (and amazing designer) Michael Borum and I are getting ready to hammer and nail and screw our little hearts out on my first backyard adventure. I'm building a shed! Well...more of an outdoor hang area with an area to store my machines/tools/and other gnarly things that have accumulated in one of my 3 bedrooms. We're going salvage, baby. I've gotten so lucky to have an awesome salvage yard right behind my house, so we'll find as many beams + windows + doors + whatever we can get our hands on to keep costs low and keep it feelin right.

Check out my layout! The hang/studio area is in the front with cool slide-out barn doors to keep it open (and let critters in, of course) and the 3rd bedroom storage will make its way to the back. A West facing roof window will make sunset oh-so-perty :) You can come play if you'd like. Bring fancy beer + I'll bring the love.

Click the pic for a biggie.

My little bitty

2009-04-13T16:58:00.000-07:00

I've been loving and dreaming of my own area to plant for years and years now. Finally(!) I get to start! Here are the beginnings... Lots 'o succulents, lavender, grasses and sunflowers are loving on the sun as much as I have been lately. I'll be sure to update when the flowers bloom big and when the dirt finds itself a new home under my fingernails forever and ever.

More Succulove Here

Born Country

2009-04-06T16:45:00.000-07:00

Big realization/confession to make. I am succumbing to my love for country music. I've always admitted love for the old stuff like Johnny Cash and Hank Williams, but I am coming out with my adoration for the new(ish) stuff as well. Right here. Right now.

I blame my iPhone.

The iPhone was supposed to replace all the CDs that were taking over my car and broken phone. Too lazy to pick out music before driving for 5 minutes, I let the radio entertain me. First found a hip hop station (another guilty pleasure) which was fun and nice, but after hearing Beyonce's "Single Ladies" 50 times, I searched for anything else. Then from somewhere really sweet came the song "Waitin' on a Woman" by someone I'm too embarassed to mention (okayitsbradpaisley-andthevideoissuperdupercheesysoiwontevenbotherlinkingtoit). The song's about two dudes who meet at the mall on a bench, waiting for their ladies. The older man starts telling the story of his life with his wife and how he's always waiting for her, but how he doesn't mind 'waiting on a woman'. Then I heard "Chattahoochee" and "Love Without End" and I was in. Again. Like I was in 1990 when I took country line dancing lessons to "Boot Scootin' Boogie".

In my defense it isn't really the music to these songs that I think is so brilliant. It's the stories they tell. They're such good storytellers! And the stories are easy to pick up...no digging or analyzing or abstraction...it is what it is and thats what it is. Which is really nice sometimes.

So there you are. I'm clean. Well, I also know the dance to "Soulja Boy". That's it though. For real. I still like other stuff, too. I'm just diversifying!

My New Theme Song

In case you are actually interested, here are some real good ones:
Collin Raye - Love, Me
Trisha Yearwood - She's in Love with the Boy
Alan Jackson - Chattahoochee
George Strait - Love Without End, Amen

Beat Cream

2009-03-07T12:41:00.000-08:00

In Cleveland Park, our Ice Cream Trucks rock da beat. Not sure if it's supposed to be bass or gospel-y clap sounding - but it's new to me. And I think it's kind of pretty.

I just cut down 3 big weed-trees that had been weaving themselves into a shotty falling down chain-link fence. The blisters aren't yet visible, but I can feel them already. The brush lays where I left it for now. I don't have one more ounce of energy to move it.

I think I'll take a nap in the sun and wait for another babababass ice cream truck to wake me.

Boys + Miss Tara Party

2009-02-01T19:46:00.000-08:00

After a walk to Cleveland Park with Miss Elizabeth and the neighborhood boys, my chalkboard wall is now devirginized!

Equally or maybe more exciting was my dance-off with the boys afterward to Lil Wayne and doin' the Stanky Legg and Get Silly. My moves is fresssshhhh.

Photos from Gettin' Silly

Da Turdy Point Buck

2009-01-22T14:44:00.000-08:00

Dear Wisconsin,
Can you believe 100% of Southerners haven't heard "Da Turdy Point Buck"? Though this might be somewhat embarrassing and an exaggeration of our culture...it's pretty darn hilarious. And gives me back-up when I claim "my accent isn't that bad!!"

Southerners, Westerners, Easterners, and Wisconsin (because you can never hear this song too many times!) take a listen, seriously.

Lady Lab Lovers

2009-01-15T09:29:00.000-08:00

A freak sleety Nashville day ran me literally into Elizabeth and her sweetheart pup Nora. We were both anxious at getting some, any, any! energy possible out of these spit fires.

*time elapse*

Elizabeth and her lover Jett have since soooo graciously been loving on Lula during the day with their dog Nora. Nora's tired. Lula's tired. Human's are relieved! I cannot thank them enough for their pup hospitality and sweet hearts.

Jett took this pic of the two sweeties. Lady lab lovers! Click the pic for a biggie

darling

2009-01-09T19:01:00.000-08:00

Hi I'm Scatt! I like beer! Especially ones from Belgium! Will you join me on a Belgian adventure? We can go to Cantillon! Ommegang? Oh! We have to go to Rodenbach too! I'm totally going to get so many samples of Grand Cru. That'd be so super hot.

Nashville Film Festival

2009-01-09T05:45:00.001-08:00

This news comes a little late, but I'm still pretty stoked, so I thought I'd share.

My fellow buddy designer Jeff Leet and I had been asked to help the board members of Nashville Film Festival in their search for a new identity and logo. We attended a few meetings and were presented with a healthy amount of awesome logos. The board couldn't really agree on any of them, so they put Anode up to the test. After a million logo options between our 4 designers, we picked a few goodies to present. They picked mine!!!

The logo is a few filmstrips that make up the skyline of Nashville. The middle one is highlighted as our recognized "batman building".

I'm super excited. This film fest is a pretty large one (10th in the country) and this is my first big Nashville logo! Word is J. Nicholson is attending this year's festivities. I'd do some freelance for that brutha!

Farmgirl Fare

2009-01-08T19:58:00.000-08:00

I have sort of recently developed an almost-a-little-weird crush on this blog. I spent my first night with it for 2 hours giggling and gasping and laughing and tearing. Pretty much, this lady is living what I can't wait to live! Way too many furry friends for her own good! She packed up her cali graphic design city life to move to a 280-acre, 140-year-old farm in the middle of nowhere. Sounds dreeeamy

My merriest from the 1232 fam!

2008-12-25T07:43:00.000-08:00

I awoke this morning to my lil bro giggling at me and my adopted furry fam. What a good morning for us all! Lula wasn't quite ready to wake yet apparently. She's been yawning the crap out of herself all morning :)

Time for coffee and cookies and stuff! Love you all! Merry merry!

fishbowl

2008-12-12T06:49:00.000-08:00

We had our Anode holiday party last night. I was tasked to make the big boss man a card. Since our little design area is referred to as "the fishbowl", I made up a little illustration that I'd say fits us each pretty well. You might be able to tell which one I am :)

Click the pic for a biggie.

asheville

2008-11-30T19:55:00.001-08:00

Scott and I had an adventure to Asheville a few weeks back that was in.cre.di.ble.

The drive to NC was mostly beautiful and entertaining. We went through a rediculous tourist city (that appeared to be holding on to its 80s/90s roots) and stopped in another equally touristy, but much more attractive city - Gatlinburg. Our first stop: a brewery! Beer not so bad, food was surely from a box of frozen varieties of fried whatevers. Sort of like frozen mixed veggies, but for processed fried foods! Not hot.

Then the mountains! Oh, the mountains! Super gorgeous, humbling, a perfect scene for my newfound musical crush The Tallest Man on Earth. Scott was easily distracted by his new iPhone's GPS capabilities during the prettiest views. I was sure to call him out on this... :)

We arrived at our cabin after dark. The only surrounding showing itself was a big mysterious oak tree in a big empty field that was somehow lit by something I'm still not sure of. Totally surreal. We ventured to Asheville for a couple two-tree beerskies and our first Hempseed Burger (which was so awesome with their super spicy local mustard) at Jack of the Woods. The place was very comfy and cultured. A random slew of 15 or so musicians showed up to play with each other at their leisure, ranging from a housemidwifey-dad (nerdy walking shoes and a Walk for the Cure sweatshirt from the 90s!) to college aged dudes. So far, Asheville has lots of fun people, good local beers, very very yummy veggie burgers, and very very very very yummy mustard!

I woke the next morning to all the beauty that had been hiding itself from me! The sleepy sun showed me green grasses, porch swings, a creek right in front of our cabin, and a special horse farm across the creek (see pic above). Really? Perfect. Scott giggled when he looked outside and said something along the lines of "this is probably too overwhelming for you!!" And it was. Funny how gorgeous that tree was the night before, and now how this was too. All day is beautiful! That horse farm had a house who's folks had to cross the creek on this rickety wooden bridge with NO RAILINGS! And it was skinny! And they had big cars!

That day we coffee-d, got some shisha, went to Tobacco Barn (an amaaaazing gigantic antique store where everything is actually awesome, and mostly reasonably priced) and drooled over pretty much everything. They have a few big chicken metal sculptures that I had to force myself to not buy. And a creepy old goat head chandelier that was far too expensive for my current salary. But when I'm a millionaire, that thing is SO MINE (if Scott doesn't become a millionaire before me)! Then went to Salsa's for a Habenero Margarita (what?! best drink ever!) and some other tasty whatever else we got (I can remember an Almond Avocado salsa). Then we took an unplanned 1/2 hr detour to this grocery store Amazing Savings we heard was cool but didn't hear why. The exterior made us a little leery as it looked like the grocery store version of a Dollar Store...but it was exactly as the name says. It was organic stuff sold super cheap. Like our favorite Red Hot Blues chips, which are normally in the high $3 range were only $2, and a bag of organic coffee normally $11, $3. Sooo cheap. Sooo awesome. I still can't figure out why it was in the middle of the boonies? We ended the night at The Thirsty Monk with some awesome sour beers, other very-hard-to-find foreign beers and a cute possibly-icelandic bartender. Oh! Also got chocolate somewhere in there at French Broad Chocolate Lounge. Chocolate served with a porter beer! Yessss.

i love asheville

RIP Minna

2008-11-23T17:58:00.000-08:00

This past week one of the pretty persian/siamese stray neighborhood kitties started getting sick. I'd see her on my way to work barely walking across the street 'mew'ing helplessly. On Friday when I came home for lunch I found her on my stoop shaking, mewing, missing an eye and with one of her ears torn. I fed her some Fancy Feast and water, and loved on her as much as I could. I debated taking her in and attempting to get her healthy again. I hadn't seen her again til today when I found her in a pile of leaves by the curb. I think she had tried to find her comfy place to make peace at. Afraid she'd get run over, I wrapped her in a towel and kept her on my porch away from the wind. She was having a really hard time breathing and could no longer get up. I stayed with her and watched her take a few last 'mew's and pass away.

Sweet fellow-feline-loving neighbor came over to comfort my sobbing self and told me all about this pretty lady, her kitties, and her kitties kitties, and their kitties kitties. Though she was probably only 2 years old he figured. He suggested I bury her next to my house, so he dug a big hole and we set her in her forever spot. What a sweet man.

I'm not sure she ever had a name, but I suppose it was Minna. RIP pretty Minna.

Midwestern Beer/Cheese Curd Tasting + Bday Fest

2008-11-19T18:14:00.001-08:00

I've had so many things to celebrate recently...so I figured it was time to have a party already! The shindig was the result of a Midwestern Beer + Cheese Curd Tasting/Birthday Bash/Housewarming/Buddy-in-town/Year Anniversary in N'Ville.

I had plenty of moments where I'd look at the folks around me and realize how much amazing things have happened to me in the past few months. Which seems to be a pattern as of late that I'm quite alright with.

Some of my favs from the night: Scott's pizza, sparklers from Jay and Marcia, Andy's mono-screenprint and new buddies :)

Pantone 2767 U

2008-11-01T21:50:00.001-07:00

After far too much thought on how to be a Wingding or a Terabyte, I decided on another nerdy design element - the Pantone swatch.

Also put together another awesome 105F2 event - Get 'Cha Ghoul On - where peeps of all kinds showed their pseudo selves...and get sexy with Chris Lee's replica of R2D2. Pics might be a little x-rated, so hit me up if you need a little R2 action in your life and I'll send you some sweets.

Southwest Pumpkin Soup

2008-10-28T20:18:00.001-07:00

I made Southwest Pumpkin Soup tonight. And it's kind of good! That's saying something! ... Future soup pro??

keyshawn

2008-10-25T16:51:00.000-07:00

After a struggle with my lazy lawnmower, I got that baby juiced enough to give me one more cut before winter. There were a few bits and pieces the big boy couldn't reach, so my favorite 4th grade neighbor Keyshawn and I had a little cutting session with two pairs of scissors I found in the house. Keyshawn told me that grass and hair grow at the same speed in regular conditions. The consistency is the same, too. Unless you have "afro hair".

He then went with Lula Belle and I on a walk, helped me plant my mini evergreen, and swept up the broken glass on the sidewalk so Lula wouldn't get cut. I might kidnap this little sweetheart.

Wagon Wheel

2008-10-18T09:14:00.000-07:00

I traveled to Wisconsin last weekend to get fancy and giddy for Renee's and Brian's forever lovin' celebration. I cannot begin to describe how beautiful, happy, emotionally awesome and perfect their wedding (and the weekend) was. Full of cornfields, leaves, barns, forever friends, and the most beautiful bride ever. I still get teary eyed every time I think of Renee in her pretty whites. Oh dear, how lucky a man Brian is!

This picture of Scott sort of sums up the feeling of the whole thing. The pic of Nicole and I is taken right after my attempt at showing some folks how to get their hoe-down on. I was surely about to heart-attack myself. I am so freaking happy (and dying), though it looks like I might have just had a sob fest.

The night ended with Wagon Wheel and a Jimmy Eat World song from Renee and Brian's early days. My biggest loves to them both!

life is <3

2008-09-30T21:27:00.000-07:00

lover friends declaring love forever.
new friends making me feel like me
sheesh, kids.
i love life

Ike's Demise.

2008-09-20T15:07:00.001-07:00

Nashville is outta gas. Not only are the people of Houston having a hard time with the hurricane... Nashville peeps are going crazy as the gas stations are quickly putting up 0.00 and No Gas signs. There are a few stragglers that still have a little left of that crazy juice. These guys are surrounded by two lanes of cars waiting to get their fill, causing traffic jams and even more angry people.

Maybe those people who think gas will always flow fresh will get a bit of an eye opener.

Vinegar is Love.

2008-09-14T19:37:00.000-07:00

I am newly obsessed with white distilled vinegar. Call me domestic, but this little chemical combo is giving me excuses to clean and freshen pretty much anything. I'm secretly starting to dig on its smell too. Don't tell.

Check out it's awesomeness.

BOSS

2008-09-14T19:29:00.001-07:00

I'd like to do a little local promo for Nashville's poster-art-lovin' Andrew Vastagh's Boss Construction. This dude's keeping art real and giving me fresh eyes to design as I often get lost in my corporate tire ads and powerpoint templates. Need to collab!

Got Bubba. Need Rubbin'

2008-08-31T20:13:00.000-07:00

Someone should have warned me about moving in August in Tennessee. It is hot. My new house's air conditioner is broken. AND sketch AC dude's quick fix leaked all kinds of freak/toxic into the air. So, I'm equipped with a few window units for now that are total ghetto rigged and make my house a pretty easy break in. It's double duty for the hustlers down here - AC's are BANK on making money because of the copper, and then they have even easier access to my goodies. Like my $10 couch and my 19" TV I got from the grocery store back in 2002. Whatev, just hope they leave me and my furry friends alone.

I drank a gallon of water today, and probably sweated the same. If I didn't lose any weight there, I probably lost some in blood lost to those little mosquito buggers. I swear people must have thought me to be some kinda meth head the way I was scratching on my business.

Besides losing like 10 lbs in water/blood weight, things are awesome. Yesterday Jeff and I sat on my front stoop and watched the little neighbor boys be boys. Then we met another neighbor boy (~12 years old) who filled us in on what the house used to be like. He said there were 6 dogs living here and he came in one time and there was poop everywhere!! Then we met Roger - the other next door neighbor, who reminded me a little of Bubba. This morning I took Lula out to sniff stuff and do puppy things while I ate my breakfast and drank my coffee and relaxed on my fancy lounge chair on the back deck. I am still lawn-mower-less, so I pretended the very-overgrown grass was a lush field of wildflowers.

I am so sleepy and so sore. My muscles feel like rope burn. My feet feel worse. I need rubs real bad.

Super Belle

2008-08-20T14:46:00.000-07:00

Potty time to Belle means time for an adventure.

Best Morning Ever.

2008-08-16T19:15:00.000-07:00

My Own!!

2008-08-11T13:09:00.000-07:00

I'm just about to go make my first offer on my first house!! Oh Deary!

Come Visit!

Creative Osmosis

2008-07-18T17:55:00.000-07:00

I'm a little excited about this project that some other Anodians and I started. A small attempt at connecting creativities Nashville style!

Lula Belle

2008-07-12T15:58:00.000-07:00

Say hi to my new lil' Lula Belle!

She's the newest addition to my family of sepia-toned-4-leggeds. She aint no feline though! L'Belle is lab 'n somethin. Big heart, gonna be a big dawg!

Gigabuddies

2008-07-12T15:54:00.000-07:00

These are the kids I spend most of my waking life with.

Big City Truckin'!

Mimi sits still while others move on

2008-07-08T08:14:00.000-07:00

Though I feel a little like I lost a lung, I'm realizing the other one might be capable of holding more air.

Shower Speak

2008-06-30T17:34:00.000-07:00

I am full of thoughts, aren't I? Preoccupied by old immaturity, bad choices, new ladies, love. I need to tell him, and am ready for no response. It is what I dealt myself.

37206

2008-06-21T16:49:00.000-07:00

Dear Misters that keep knocking my door after dark:

I appreciate your offers to cut my grass and give me sexual favors and other "hey baby" comments, but really, it just makes me uncomfortable and less likely to take you up on any favors. I know I'm the one that doesn't belong, along with all the other yuppies and professionals that are taking over your "hood". I apologize, as I'm sure it makes you just as uncomfortable as it makes me when you give me those looks and jeers. I apologize that we're making your rent be unbearable, calling you out on all your mishaps, and sneering at your chain-linked fence next to our million dollar renovated historic homes. I apologize for being scared of you too, I'm sure you're very friendly.

Please don't move away. We moved to East Nashville because you make it diverse and give our 8-5 lives some excitement. We like you here.

But please let me be alone when I'm home after 7pm. I am not really interested in chatting or in need of a good grass mow at that hour. Thank you, misters!

Not Just For Lovers

2008-06-15T09:25:00.000-07:00

Songs I Sing Too Loud For My Own Good

I put together a little bit of of musics I love so dearly. The flow is about as good as that of a pre-pubescent mixtape, but some songs could just not be left out.

Tarasaurus Wreckx

2008-06-13T20:22:00.000-07:00

i love roller derby.

Saw my first bout last weekend between both of Nashville's Roller Girl teams, Damsels of Distress and Assault Rivals. Check out some pics of their dual.

The bout was WILD! These girls can kick asses! There were shoving and elbowing and rippin' fishnets and getting burned. At one point, my favorite lady, Lady Fury slid into the announcers table and knocked off all the equipment, including a laptop!

So I got a little adrenaline rush and thought maybe I should just become a Roller Girl. Of course, skating isn't my forte, nor is kicking asses... So maybe I could just be a Jeerleader. I can jump up and down and hula hoop and wear blue wigs!

Some of their names were pretty awesome : Chinese Checker (chinese girl), Maulin Monroe, Cocky Mtn. Mama, Fleetwood Smack. Jeff has already created his psuedo nashvillian roller derby dude name : Johnny Crash

Me : Tarasaurus Wreckx

Red Doors, etc.

2008-06-01T01:02:00.000-07:00

Life in the Bible Belt aint so bad when it involves Yazoo Pale Ale's, Red Doors, big 'ol lightning and new friends.

Sans Houses

2008-05-26T15:58:00.001-07:00

I discovered this lady's project Sans Houses the other day. She documented fine folks without homes in Nashville.

Her photography is gorgeous and real. Be sure to listen to the audio clips too -

Lack of Power + Lack of JetPack

2008-05-04T20:33:00.000-07:00

An open mic at Cafe Coco to see roomie belt out sad drinking songs. A dude played after her and caught my attention with his sweet whistl'in and songs about Tennessee's beauty. He ended up saying hi to me later, and we got lost in talk of adventures and hills and rainforestry and bears.

He'd been traveling from Victoria, British Columbia for no reason at all, other than to try and record some stuff, maybe. He'd won some free wine at a fancy restaurant here, so he asked if I'd join in the fun with him. We show up at the place (not knowing it was nearly as fancy as it was) and got a few funny looks, so decided to hide on the outdoor patio. Tornado warnings and crazy high winds weren't really distracting, but a little more exciting. The power at the place ended up going out and all was pitch black. People were freaking out, but it was totally cooler.

He'd only be here for a few more days, so we enjoyed each other's company while we could. We walked a dog and swinged on swings and went to an old bar with old people playing good songs (again, we didn't fit in) and talked to a real nice dude that likes Jethro Tull.

Seems I'm gettin' used to this livin life fast (!) thing with fellers I get interested in. And they all live on the complete other side of the country.

No day trips to the West Coast unless I find my JetPack...

Flux

2008-04-18T19:24:00.000-07:00

Its been too long since I'd seen the country.

Nick Meyer, a beloved bud from back in Wisconsin suggested I go see Derrick Brown do his thang right here in Tennessee. He'd be at Arrington Vineyards for an outdoor poem excursion with beautiful sunsets, wine and fires and folks of all sorts.

I took the trek through saturated green hills, picket fences and horse stables aplenty. I could feel my recent tightnesses loosen and release. I realized I hadn't seen the country, green hills, and big 4-leggeds for far too long. I had found some kind of peace! Finally!

Derrick Brown was no less than amazing. A funny dude, perfect for the setting. A 20-something-people mix of elders and folks like me that I haven't found yet here. I met a nice old couple, Ed 'n Billie, who found my recent move fascinating. They shared all their favorite TN adventure spots and we cheer's to travel and adventuring into unknown territory.

I left with my new music obsession playing in the hills of TN he often speaks of. I was thinking about future unknown territories and questioning everything when this song played : Justin Earle - I Don't Care.

Right on brutha.

The first lights of Nashville were annoying, so I drove more in the country (thanks to roomies GPS tracker!) to avoid my bed and familiarity of the city.

I know for sure what it is now, where I'm supposed to be!

Somewhere else

2008-04-06T12:10:00.000-07:00

grandpa's sad heart could beat no longer.
now he sleeps with her again
on clouds much softer I suppose.

wet cheeked

2008-04-05T19:18:00.000-07:00

I first recall life in Nashville with Davin (aww Davin!) at the 3 Crow Bar hearing The Felice Brothers. We wet our pants and giddied over these 4 brothers (1 pseudo, Christmas Felice) and their way of dancin and singin and wittying up the crowd with their fine country/americana tunes. Sure, we were obsessed.

They came again last Thursday night. I got re-obsessed (though I never truly fell out of obsession) after seeing their fun ways. Justin Townes Earle (Steve Earles babe) finished up with oh-so-sweet songs with a little now-ish stuff and a little then-ish stuff.

My bum week became much sunnier after Thursday night, and I wanted to share it with some folks I find especially special in TN. The Felice Brothers were to play a Friday luncheon show at Grimey's Record Store! Promises from TN buds to share my excitement, promises broken with lame excuses and unwillingness for new and exciting breaks from the 8:30-5:30 monotony. Once again I got real down about my current friend state, and remember some key folks from The Great White North (as they refer to it down here). Talks with Cord about moving on from past friend adventures and relishing new friend adventures is hard when new friend adventures aren't always sweet.

Either way I came out of the deal with smiles of my own experiences from adventures I chose to take part in. 'Spose things will always be happy and well if I just follow me own gut.

Everything inbetween

2008-03-18T19:58:00.000-07:00

After yesterday's up down lift turn whatever whatever whatever class at the YMCA my muscles are quite similar to Arnold's. Except my skin must just be a little to tight to hold them, as it aches at any move I make. Cross my legs--it hurts. Walk--it hurts. Pick up a pen--it hurts. But for this bod, I'll take some sore skin.

Since my last entry I:
updated my website
got a new roomate + dog
got a new car
ditched the old one
continued collab w cord

Sweet Sleeps Forever

2008-02-23T07:30:00.000-08:00

I've got my bags packed and my tears wiped and have taken plenty of deep breaths...I am getting ready for an unplanned Wisconsin visit.

My Grandmother's body is frail and she has wished to move on to more comfortable futures for quite some time now. Her body finally granted her these wishes last night at 10:15pm. I'm thinking more unplanned Wisconsin visits will come soon, as my Grandpapa will most likely pass with a broken heart. I'll be sure to give him extra kisses and smiles as it will probably be the last time I see him.

Her singing me asleep to "Away in the Manger" as a child will always calm me, and the rocking she passed on to me and all the other ladies in the family is sure to be carried on. She is a strong, sweet woman and deserves the most beautiful serenity and rest.

Sleep in Peace, Grandma Jane

Rarr Tappin' n Redneckn'

2008-02-17T14:56:00.001-08:00

Friday of Those Darlins at the Basement proved a newfound crush. Tap dancing folk singing ladies! Sooo soo good.

Saturday Monster Truck Rally or Nashville Roller Girls or Truck ridin 'n gun shootin'. I might have been a bit timid at first, but that gun warmed right up 'neath these fingers of mine. Maybe someday I'll get me a perty revolver, oh boy! I don't know what I'd do with it though... Maybe just pretend I'm straight thug 4 life.

Weekend of Testosterone

2008-02-10T17:32:00.000-08:00

What a gorgeous weekend of 60 degrees and 4 fabulous dudes!

Mr. Chris Wilcox with his buddy's Mike, Matt + Cliff headed their 4 wheeler toward Nashville on Friday for their first honky tonk adventures.

In short:

Sexy tunes at Alley Cat Lounge remind me of how much I should listen to Otis Redding and the like
Fido visits = lots of coffee and basking in natural light
Most fabulous weather ever. Sun and sun and warm skies!
Anode adventures get me giddy about how fortunate I am
Rooftops of downtown are bright and fun. They also lock. Unexpected x-treme sport descents in a skirt. Alarms. #4965 saved us from the horse cops
Pedestrian bridge fills with pretty shadows. It must MUST be like 3 feet shorter than the Shelby bridge.
Kite flying in big open grass in Nashville's faux Athens. Chris and I almost put to death by a kite.
Vitamin D soaks and soaks and it feels soooo good!
Mexican Pizzas with cinnamon and mint might not be as amazing as I planned. But still not horrible...
Mel brings hugs and true Tinnisee lovin'
Tootsies Orchid Lounge, of course.
Layla's Bluegrass Inn, of course. Dancing forever with Matt and Chris! Love love love dancing!
Apple pie and bacon, etc. at 417 Union
Big hugs that crush me a little
Bid adieu to 4 nice boys

Visual Adventures

I fell in love.

2008-02-03T08:22:00.001-08:00

I dreamt of pink for years,
but never did she appear.

You might find me on the corner,
if it'll mean I can call 'er my dear.

Ping Pong Ping Pine Tree

2008-01-28T19:49:00.000-08:00

So maybe the end of January isn't the most weather-friendly time to see what happens in our West.

Maybe rain will slap your face a little. Maybe umbrellas will invert into gigantic bowls for rain to congregate rather than slip. Maybe jeans can weigh five pounds. Maybe the pines are extra chilled from their mountain heights. Maybe we are all wimps. The dogs didn't mind one bit now, did they?

SAN FRAN maybe wasn't as saturated visually as its palms and greens normally allow, but even gray, I can see the beauty the city holds. I never got to adventure on their steep hills or fight the great white sharks as I had promised. I didn't get to see their bison or have beach bonfires. But I did get to play big-city-life at 111 Minna. I did get to take the best nap I've ever taken cuddled with another. I did get to remind myself how much fun ping pong is, and how awesome I pretend to be. Dann is a man who's figuring stuff out. His new ping pong serve should be patented! I did get to duel with my umbrella on the golden gate bridge (and everywhere else for that matter) which might result in a pretty sweet art project. I got to eat bacon, too :)

PORTLAND was wet and chilly, too. But this city even looks cute gray! Cutest most quaint and cozy city ever ever ever. I must talk myself out of moving here! Afton and I got to slumber in her bed. I tried hard to keep conversation with her in bed, but I kept falling asleep accidentally. I was just too fricking comfortable. Our tum's do funny things when they're horizontal. Maybe we'll make a belly-sound sountrack someday. Coconut milk will sure do the trick. I've got it! "BELLY MILK". It's brilliant, isn't it. We also ventured in Portland's beautiful beautiful trees where we met a radical dog and an equally radical man. Later we met another radical dude, Cord Jr. I think Afton should be friends with him. He's funny and fun and cute. Those kinds of friends are good news, I'd think. I love Portland. I love Afton!

West Cost smiles and umbrellas soon...

An Agenda, or Something.

2008-01-18T17:04:00.002-08:00

01.24.08 I will start my travel up and travel down and have some San Fran adventures with Mr. Dann Ryan Petty. We'll have a quick meetin' to get giddy about 72dpi's and RGB. Maybe I'll even get to see these crazy hills and that red bridge everyone speaks so kindly of!

1.26.08 I will start my travel up and give hugs [big hugs] to Ms. Afton Lorraine Hakes in Portland! A much much overdue visit with her will be sooo nice! I can't wait to hear her giggles and see her perty curls!

1.28.08 I will start my travel over and travel down and back to my new home of the ghetto that I love, and the NashVegas I think is pretty cute.

Go adventures!

Dominate Puddles

2008-01-10T19:09:00.001-08:00

I counted 27 raindrops until I couldn't count fast enough. Someone real big saw me as their little dehydrated flower in desperate need of a good soak. Yes, thank you someone real big, I am well watered enough for 2 weeks! Good thing I had my rain boots!
I dominate puddles!

lettered visual

2008-01-08T20:39:00.001-08:00

Do we see in RGB or CMYK?